23May 2022 by Shelly Davis
PPP 292: Three Ways to Use the Circle of Fifths

PPP 292: Three Ways to Use the Circle of Fifths

Music Theory, Podcast
The Circle of Fifths is a valuable tool for musicians. If you aren't familiar with it; however, it can look very overwhelming.On today's show, I will share three basic ways you can use the Circle of Fifths. Listen to the full episode here Three Ways to Use the Circle of Fifths Primary TriadsLocate any letter on the circle. That is your tonic (I chord)The letter to the right is the dominant (V chord)The letter to the left is the subdominant (IV chord)Many tunes can be harmonized with only these three chords. Secondary TriadsLocate the letter under each primary triad.These are relative minor chords.Minor chords are a fun way to substitute harmonies for melody notes.These six chords are the most often used chords in most popular music.Outside of the three primary…
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24Oct 2016 by Shelly Davis
PPP013: Magic Wand Part 1 (a much better name than “Linear Circle of 5ths”)

PPP013: Magic Wand Part 1 (a much better name than “Linear Circle of 5ths”)

Music Theory, Podcast
AKA "Linear Circle of 5ths" (Magic Wand is a much cooler name, don't you think?) My students take the annual theory exam offered by Texas Music Teachers Association. The information I describe in this podcast coincides with the concepts students need to know for the Level 3 and Level 4 theory exam. One of the primary concepts students need to know for this test, and musicians need to be familiar with in general, is key signatures.  Listen to the full episode here: It all starts with a goofy sentence about a Fat Cat: Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bacon Third Graders taking the TMTA theory test only need to know the first three letters: F, C, G. Students can remember: "F uses the Flat" meaning the F major scale uses a black…
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